1964 Ford Mustang advertisement set at the New York World's Fair where the car had its first public showing. / Ford

by Brent Snavely, Detroit Free Press

by Brent Snavely, Detroit Free Press

Ford said today that 50 companies will sell special products such as jackets, shirts, watches and even pinball machines to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Mustang.

All of the new merchandise will include a new logo to mark the occasion. The logo emerged from an internal company design competition led by Ford Chief Creative Officer J Mays.

The winning logo crafted by designer Michael Thompson features the Mustang's trademark galloping pony in silhouette over the characters "50 YEARS."

Ford plans to reveal specific commemorative items over the coming weeks and months. The automaker is planning a year-long anniversary party that it is kicking off here in New York as part of the New York Auto Show.

The original pony car, creator of the class of affordable performance cars that produced many of the Detroit Three's greatest vehicles, turns 50 on April 17, 2014. Ford revealed the first Mustang in 1964 just a few days before its public display at the 1964 World's Fair.